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Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2025UIN 72257

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what manpower reduction Protector MQ-9B’s ATLC function creates by replacing the LRE capability of Reaper.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

The Automatic Take Off and Land Capability (ATLC) of Protector negates the requirement for Ground Control Station (GCS), pilot, sensor operator and GCS support staff to be present at any forward operating base to conduct the take-off and landing. As Protector is operated under a different construct to Reaper, no overall direct comparison can be made.

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